The Golden Hour

The golden hour.  

Snapshots of life.

 Even when our daughter declines because her hair and outfit isn't show worthy.  

These days and moments we can't get back. 

Snap em.  

Soak it up.

The summer nights.

Together.  

 In a few weeks she'll be across the pond sorting through a new path. A semester learning the lifestyle of Italy. And hopefully indulging in the fine lectures of education.

Memories she'll share with her family someday.

And so, Kali.....even with your little "caterpillars" (she calls those hairs that stick out on her sides)...you are beautiful.  

 

 Bill's serious face.  LOL

Best friends for life.....I love you Shelley and Maria.....

"Take care of all your memories, for you cannot relive them" BOB DYLAN

Big love,

This Mama Lisa

Monday Morning Reminders

Sometimes we still sneak away like date-doers and sip wine and a brew. People watch. Sunset watch. But most importantly, we, or should I say "I" just try to rekindle the grueling process of working together.  Building together. Blending together. And all the stresses that fall between love, work, family, finances, pressures, deadlines, and the commitment we have for one another. 

Ballast Point has my heart in the sunset department.  Not to mention the best view of the good ol' LBZ, and a stones throw from Seal Beach. Bliss!

The best part of looking at the week prior in pictures on a Monday is the reminder.  Another week. Another day.  Another chance to keep pushing.  To keep moving.  To make things happen. 

Monday will soon be Thursday, and Thursday will reveal Friday. 

And the wheel just keeps on spinnin'.....

Happy Monday.  Remember to thank yourself for getting up today.  

Some don't get the chance---

This Mama lisa

Friday Smiles

Here's a couple of video's to make your heart fill up today....

Brotherly love.....

Biffin And Turner Brother LOVE

I dedicate this to my son.  A lover of fish. But most especially a lover of human-kindness. 

Yoriko

Have a great weekend friends...

To Sandra and Raquel....may you travel safely across the United States Of America as you start a new chapter in Virgina! Raquel, you make us all proud!  Sandra, your love for your babies have created the successes that show.   All our love. All the time.

Family. Animals. Trust. Kindness. Love. Humans. 

Be that example. 

This Mama Lisa

Baby Steps.

Literally.

Last Friday night as I was washing my feet becauseiamafreakandmustwashmyfeetwhenigethome. I could hear Bill shuffling in the bathroom after his shower.  

What I didn't know was he was given a new little cane. 

Those crutches begging to retire.

His underarms still riddled with a little rash.

His quest to get to the next level.

A cane.

As he came down the hallway I made him stop to snap a picture.

For the kids. 

For our blog folders.

The chapters. 

Our life.

Sorry about his pants falling down, I need to feed him more...
errrr wait, maybe he was just happy to see me. jk 

Celebrating with a stroll over to Taco Surf for my favorite taquitos.

(We drove, but still....this was amazing!)

And this picture here? ( I took to show how high the tide was. We slid down scrunched in our seats to go under in the little boat..always a funny favorite of ours)

But my face........LOL!

Reminds me of this...

Well actually my nose looks like....

By the way, WHAT is that?

lookslikeaweiner

HAHAHAHAHA!

Now on that note...

I'm out!

Happy Thursday Pervs.

This Mama Lisa

Those Moments With Friends

Every year.

Every summer.

Every August, except this one.

Every same face.  Mostly.

Every bit of laughter. 

And hugs.

And the best wine (Thanks Roxanne)

And the best music.

Organic, and full of love.

John and Shelley's Garage Party.  

An annual event that fills the street by night fall.  Our babies, their babies, and all the babies.

Home from college.  Grandma's in their nineties.  Singing along.  Watching their granddaughter whom will soon bring in her own daughter. 

Belt out the fine tunes of the 60's and 70's.  Pure BLISS-

Together.  

Summer time love.  And friendship. 

I thank you for the amazing taco bar, and guacamole that kicked ass across the sky!

And if  you wonder where Shelley is?  Hostessing for the mostessing. 

And John?  He was rocking out like a rocker. 

But us? 

US?

Making laughter float through the air....

Cheers!  

Happy Summer Of 2017!

Seal Beach, CA

This Mama Lisa

Eighteen Months

Eighteen months.

A long day filled with traffic like we'd never seen.  Moments with Bucksie boy that we won't want to recall anytime soon.  Lets just say poop, Sunset Blvd and crosswalks. boom.

I tried to work a little in the morning, which was against what Kris really had planned. He'd hoped we'd be on the road by 9.  With an appt at 10:30ish, I totally thought we'd be fine. 

Wrong. 

The 101 had 2 lanes open.  

We took streets from East LA, to Hollywood.  This was after the 710 bullshiz merging onto the 5fwy.

Farters!

It took close to 2 hours. 

My heart and soul was content because I'd already navigated through labs the night before.  Learning what numbers and markers to cross off, and others to sit back and exhale with sincere gratitude. 

My son.

Our main concern this trip was the amount of weight Kris has lost.  Along with a quest to possibly switch oral chemo's he takes. 

We'd wait another hour in the waiting room after arriving.  My patience running thin, I always watch the vibe of Kris.  He never becomes impatient.  Quickly reminding myself of these two lovers in my life.  They're here.  We're sitting there.  

 

Soon we'd be in the room with hugs from her.  Her excitement to finally meet his doggo.   Going over numbers.  Meds.  Labs. Future appts.  Weight.  Checking his mouth, lungs and always always praising him for how far he's come. I can't help but smile inside. 

We're switching up chemo's.  Labs per my request in 2 weeks. (last time he took this one, his counts got sideways).  Video appt next month.  Long list of meds he still must take (he's trying to wean the last bit of every-other-day Prednisone) He'd receive another 2 more vaccinations.  Both of which I still question (last time he felt like shit 2 days later)...

We'd soon be out the door.  Kind of rushing to the car at 1pm, because we both know too well just how yucky the drive home is.  We stop at our traditional lunch spot (Fat Burger- DON'T JUDGE KIDS) 

So thankful he's all good.  We'll work on weight.  We'll work on the chemo doses, and just how to keep his tummy settled.  

Today is Friday.  

This morning I woke, with my checklist of worries (I KNOW YOU GUYS, I HATE IT)

And there was one less worry. 

One less, panic of things.

He's here.

Labs are good. 

Eighteen months.

From the first few months. 

To Eighteen months. 

May you all have a sweet weekend doing whatever it is that makes your heart and soul full.

Just be good, and be kind to animals. 

When you think life is hard, look around.  So many are fighting a fight harder than I HOPE you'll ever know.

Lots of love,

This Mama Lisa

A Week Away, But Not Really

I took a week off.  Not really completely from work, but rightfully so, it was a much needed breather. 

The start of the week rolling into The Fourth Of July celebrations. From one day to the next it was simply bliss. No where to be, and no commitments.  My cause for celebrations alone.  In order of these pictures, it went a little something like what you see.  Bill and I snuck out in the little boat pictured below. Where he referred to our stop as "taking a leak", which he is correct, however if I'm not mistaken, we don't take leaks, we "tinkle".  And I don't want to share where I tinkled because you'd be disgraced with me.  Let's just say this place is under construction.  And ain't no sissy of a girl here who doesn't accept a challenge of tinkling behind a stack of wood.  Behind a building. Where a security guard sat a mere 50 feet behind me watching a tv.  

#getitgirl

#wheresmymargarita

#staycationforlife

The next day we'd roll onto the sand with my posse.  Our friends, and their friends.  Just one big red, white and blue fest.  Tis' was a good time.  IF my wine eyes, and hat that I got in the dollar bin at Target doesn't shout "partayyy", well then I don't know what does.  

 Our babies.....All 21 now....

 Where salt meets the camera, and love meets the hugs.  Where friends gather to smile, laugh and share good wine.  Where you leave your cares behind, and gather with those you love. 

 There's a new juice bar in town.  It's organic, which sells to my soul.  This is their back patio.  A patio of which we sat chatting with the owner.  Sharing stories of our kids.  The grind in business.  The hustle in slowing down, yet pushing hard to succeed.  If any of my local peeps pass by Devynn's Florist on PCH in Seal, stop in.  You won't regret.  And order the "Beet Street"-  Your body will thank you.  I promise. You're welcome. Don't worry, I got yo' back. 

 I walked alone on the beach all the mornings.  A dreary start, and yet the air was filled with warmth.  With sand.  With a soft breeze.  And lots and lots of birds.  My favorite. 

I planted flowers.   

 And tended to a mama bird I have living up high..... (Beet Street Juice pictured to the top right)

By Thursday morning we'd scoop up our mom from the airport.  Shuffling her to my sisters home.  Soon landing at my auntie Lyn's wedding Friday.  

 Grandma Pam 2017

We'd celebrate Lynda and Harry on 7/7/17-  Dancing the night away..... 

 At one point I grabbed my son out to dance.  Staring at him with all eyes filled with hearts.  

What a difference this year is.  What a difference life offers us. 

Although I stepped away from my desk for those days, I still lean in and view from the outside.  I loved the moments with family.  With friends.  With my kiddo's.  I loved the moments with my mom. And aunties.  Hosting an unexpected dinner for everyone last Saturday.  Taking a glimpse around with cousins from Chicago sitting on our patio.  Standing in our kitchen as I hear my aunt and mom chat about life. My uncle sitting across from me on the dock. Smiling with his beautiful smile, and fun spirit.  The moments you don't tally as special until you crawl into bed that night and wake the next day realizing just how beautiful it really was.  And is.

Family.

Friends.

Life. 

Back to the grind this week.  The last couple of days pulling my hair back in a bun just to kick ass and do what I have to do. 

Sending Kris off to labs this morning because tomorrow we head back to Hollywood to hug our favorite doctor.  

Reading these labs at noon today with sweat beading up on my forehead, and underarms.  Because what else does a momcologist do with labs.  She navigates through them, smiles when it's good, and reports to her birdie.  

Everything looks good. WBC's a little low, and so I remind him to steer clear of sick people, along with sharing "things".  He sends a smile back in text because he knows I nag when I need to, and just how important my words are.

This is life.  

And just by looking back at the last week of my life, I'd say it's pretty darn beautiful. 

Happy Week To You All.....

Much Love,

This Mama Lisa

Setting The Vibe For Happiness

Any good plans for The 4th?  Ours will include a bikeless bike ride with our posse' (You see, me and my crutch racer will stop at the destinations via le' automobile)- Tis' will be a couple days filled with laughter, love and lots of fun moments.  I hope I'm surrounded by my birdies, and most important I hope to see the world a happier place, made with forgiveness, smiles, hand shakes, and most important, big hugs.  I'm quite sure we'll hear alot of glasses clinkin' filled with organic fermented grape juice. 

My weekend will include reading a new book I indulged in buying last week.  Moments sipping coffee by the water side with nothing to hear but seagulls.  My weekend will include making the mama snacks I always love to prepare for my little family.  My weekend will include reminiscing on the good parts of our life, letting go of the hard ones.  Just like last year as those rockets blew up in the air, I kept envisioning the bad vibes blowing up and away....

Our aunt (Hi Lyn!) is finally tying the knot. The youngest of 6.  She'll tie the knot on 7/7/17-  A day of which I will be with my mom, our aunts, and our only uncle whom will walk her down the aisle, we'll be with cousins and most important, our grandmother. That dance floor will see some sweet goodness, that's for darn sure. 

My weekend will include appreciating the days I took off.  Although I will work from home, and most likely go into my office when no one is around, because, well....r.e.s.p.o.n.s.i.b.i.l.i.t.i.e.s.  

If you have animals, protect those little sugars.  Illegal firework asshole people are out there, and truly don't respect animals, service members whom suffer from ptsd, or anything else for that matter.  

#Sparklersforlife

Whatever you do, go in peace.  We have so much to be grateful for.  First and foremost, the brave men and women out protecting our country.  

My song for you...

THESE ARE THE DAYS....

Grateful Always,

This Mama Lisa

And may this new healthcare bill NOT pass.  PLEASE LORD ALMIGHTY, PLEASE...

For the elderly, for the sick, for the poor.
Good riddens, stop this crazy train--

Pictures Of Recently Enjoyed Moments

Well the reason I love this one so much, are the BLUES.  All the blues....LOVE LOVE!

And below is what you will find in the gym of these two birdies...both on their phones. HAHA!

(jk, I asked Kris what he was up to last week-the response-cuties...)

 My grand-dawger's holding hands.  LOVE!

My best friend and soulmate at LB Yacht Club.  Our Wednesday tradition thanks to Maria Herring.  One of which I look forward to all winter long. Especially these last couple weeks with the warm ocean air....

Happy week to you friends....

Make the best of it. Even if you're trudging through mud.  Keep going.  

I hope you feel safe, and I hope you feel loved. 

Even if it's your animals.  Love is love.

Don't forget to pass out smiles--

They're free!

Love,

This Mama Lisa


"The Cure For Anything Is Salt Water- Sweat, Tears, Or The Sea"

Have A Beautiful Weekend

My sister sent me this video last night.  I hope it makes your heart just as full as mine.
 It's apparent in this life we always make our way back to mama. 

Have a beautiful weekend....

Our includes nothing.  Which is exactly what I yearn for. 

Work hard, rest harder.

Baby Elephant Chasing Birds

Be safe, and be kind. 

Uncle Alex, my prayers always include you. 

Happy Weekending Friends,

This Mama Lisa

It's Teachers Like This.

Last Sunday night Bill and I tucked in early, as we've started this new routine that includes a good meal, a quiet chill vibe, home by ourselves, as we watch one of our favorite shows.  

60 Minutes.  A few of its topics made my heart skip a beat.  If there is one thing in this world that children need, is nurturing care. Coming from a peer that truly, and whole-fully cares. 

I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.  

Chess Instill New Dreams- 60 Minutes

If you care to witness true humanity, while keeping politics and hate out of the picture, watch this. 

If you can't handle sadness, war, and the heartbreak that follows, don't watch.

To me, these are the humans that are forgotten.  By us.  Americans.  

The White Helmets

I hope this week has been full of peace for you all.  I've been busy scheduling Kali's departure to Italy. Working in my fiberglass land and all that comes with that. 

We'd learn a good family friend was in a boating accident, but will survive. Just sad of the hardwork, and dreams that went into something. More than material, how his spirit feels. My uncle in the hospital with a stroke-like deal going on, and still trying to get the right answers. Hospital stays just outright suck.  They totally, 100% just do.  Uncle Alex, I'm sorry. 

My Kris who is thriving, and just started the process to get his Captain license.  That is a big deal in our home.  Something his dad really pushes and nags him about every time we see him.

To my Kali whom is navigating flights, layovers, the early stages of being away and knowing homesickness will set in, so she's trying to deal with it now.  Little side note worth mentioning- She'll be about an hour flight away from our donor in Germany.  If only money grew on trees.

Imagine our family flying there to meet him next year, to then head to the region of which Kali will call a second home for a bit. Awesome. 

Much love to you.  Remember these moments today, you'll never get them back. Even the hard shitty ones, just keep in mind, those make you better and stronger later. You just can't feel it now. 

Spread love and kindness.  Most especially smiles.  YOU can change the hate in this world.